The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Germay hosted their first conference this weekend in Munich. The conference took place at Technical University Munchen, at their Omlympic campus, which showcased TUM's impressive Sport and Exercise Science campus. The event had a host of well known presenters. To help out another conference, they collaborated with the Connect 2025 group which showcased new info on research around connective tissue, fascia, and tendons. Here is a short review of the content from the weekend.
Boyd Epley (1/5)
Notorious coach Boyd Epley, and founder of the NSCA was the first to present. After all the introductions had been completed he had a 30minute slot. Epley spoke for 10minutes tops, and showed pictures of his gym. From what I gathered over the course of the weekend, it seems he had more to say the night before where NSCA Germany hosted the speakers at a gala dinner. This was a little disappointing. I don't think he contibuted anything to the conference like new insights, or nuggets of info from his decades of coaching experience. Nevertheless, it was good to have the opportunity to hear him speak.
Travis Triplett (3/5)
Dr. Triplett discussed training considerations for female athletes. This was a good talk that for the most part confirmed a lot of known practices in this area. Triplett spoke common sense to key topics in this area and it was encouraging to see speakers with her reputation speak will clarity around the considerations for women in sport.
Kurt Mosetter (4/5)
Dr. Mosetter discussed the imflammatory process of injury and tendon issues. Mechanisms of how anti-imflammatory foods can help restore the body were included. He also discussed how the metabolism needs to be flexible in order to be efficient. An over dependance of fructose as a primary energy source is a bad thing and he suggests athletes use Galactose which is an insulin-independent source of energy. Turns out that galactose costs over €100 for 500grams - likely out of reach to your average athlete.
Martin Buchheit (5/5)
The one speaker I was most excited to see all weekend was Martin Buchheit. He and Paul Laursen developed the high intensity interval training methods that I use with my athletes. And as previsouly reported, these methods have helped my clients break world records on the indoor rowing stage. Martin discussed Zone 2 training and whether or not it should be used in soccer. Considering soccer is one of the main sports in Germany, he had targeted the audience well and set the stage for his Sunday workshop which was a big success.
Overall the weekend was a big weekend for S&C nerds like myself and I took home so much from it, and made some valuable connections in the industry. Tactical S&C for the tactical athlete is something I hope to branch into next.